Bman's Blues Report

I just had the opportunity to preview the most recent release, Blues Power , by Jeff Dale and the South Woodlawners , and it's different. As I listen to it I think... the blues meets Captain Beefheart (Willie the Pimp). Opening with Toxic Stew , a cool, unassuming Jeff Dale leads on vocal and slide guitar and there's that deep tone of Pat Zicari's bari sax...woah. Derek Phillips on keyboards, Charlie love on guitar, Orlando Wright on bass and Tim Austin on drums makes up a solid band. Title track, Blues Power has a "revival" sound with handclaps and acapella vocals. Winding up, Wright's bass line and Austin's drums provide an excellent bottom for Dale's slide work. Another cool, swampy track is Middle Class Moan with it's unwieldy swagger, funky vocals, and the great mix of instrumental players with the add of Glen Doll on sensuous harp and the trumpet riffs of Lee Loughnane and group backing vocals. Very cool. With a Bo Diddley beat complimen...

I just received the newest release, Good Music , by Jeff Dale and the South Woodlawners and it's got the blues. Opening with Town Line Road , is a hard driving blues rocker featuring Tim Austin on drums, Orlando Wright on bass and Jeff Stone on harp with Dale on guitar and vocal. Naked Woman In My Bed has a cool R&B feel with Glen Doll leading the way on harp. Jim Jedeiken adds key sax work with Charlie Love on guitar, Mark Mack on drums, Andre "Big Perm" McCottry on bass and Derek Phillips on keys. On title track, Good Music , Dale lays down a cool shuffle feel. Chef Denis Depoitre adds some real nice harp work and Charlie Love joins again on vocal and guitar. Andre Howard sets a strong bass line and Mark Mack keeps the bottom tight on drums. Letter From The Birmingham Jail is a cool track with a lot of commercial potential. With it's catchy melody and tight rhythm it's certain to garner attention. One of my favorites is Final Destination . A somber bal...